Feast for eyes, palate

Stude Museum attracts 11,300 visitors in first 100 days.

Stude Museum attracts 11,300 visitors in first 100 days.

March 11, 2006|MARGARET FOSMOE Tribune Staff Writer

SOUTH BEND -- Classic sandwiches and salads are being served up right next to Champions, Larks and other classic vehicles. A cafe recently opened in the lobby of Studebaker National Museum, 201 S. Chapin St. It's called the 1st Source Cafe, after its corporate sponsor. The food preparation and service are provided by The Culinary Connection in Mishawaka. The breakfast menu includes bagels, muffins, cereal and fruit bars, as well as coffee, tea and juices. The lunch menu offers two types of sandwiches and two salads. Salads and sandwiches are priced $3 to $4. Museum admission is not required to visit the cafe. Museum staff hope the new cafe becomes a regular draw for people grabbing coffee on their way to work and a lunch spot for downtown workers, said Patti Doyle, the museum's special projects coordinator. The cafe has seats for 20 customers. A nearby patio will provide additional seating during warm weather. The partners of The Culinary Connection sought the museum space in order to expand their customer base to South Bend. The Culinary Connection opened in December at 713 N. Main St., Mishawaka. The Mishawaka location offers "grab-and-go" bistro-style dinners, desserts and specialty coffees. The business is operated by partners Joseph Catanzariti, Brett Boomhower and Audra Nixon. The Studebaker Museum opened in its new building in October. Since then, it has drawn more than 11,300 visitors. A new exhibit recently opened titled "Studebaker Dealer Spotlight." It highlights Davis Motor Sales of Detroit. Established in 1940 by Ed Davis, the franchise was the nation's first black-owned auto dealership. It will continue through June 4. An exhibit on "The Mary-Ann Club: Sisters in Service" will be on display through April 10. It focuses on the Mary-Ann Club, a social and service club for Studebaker women employees. The museum has added four new Studebaker vehicles since the opening: a 1933 Speedway President, a 1941 President Skyway sedan coupe, a 1947 M-series pickup truck, and a 1953 Champion Starliner hardtop. The Studebaker facility shares a gift shop with the Center for History. A new Web site with secure shopping recently was established. For details, see: www.studebakermuseum.org. Museum hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and noon to 5 p.m. Sundays. Staff writer Margaret Fosmoe: mfosmoe@sbtinfo.com (574) 235-6329